Lessons from Matthew 14: Disciples Faith

After the feeding of the 5,000, Matthew tells us that when evening came and Jesus had been alone for some time on the mountaintop, the disciples had drifted a considerable distance away from land. A fierce wind had suddenly come up and it was tossing the boat and the disciples in it!

And during the fourth watch of the night, meaning it was pretty dark and probably a little eerie, they saw someone walking on the water towards them. We know it was Jesus because Matthew tells us so, but they didn’t!

Now I don’t know about you, but I think I would be a little freaked out too! We are told the disciples thought it was a ghost and they became terrified and they cried out in fear.

But verse 27 tells us that Jesus heard their cry and He responded by saying:

• Take courage! (in other words, be strong)

• It is I! (the sheep know their shepherd’s voice)

• Don’t be afraid! (in other words, I’ve got you and the situation in control)

How’s that for comfort and compassion, safety and security?

Peter stood up, in the middle of the wind-tossed boat, and replied “Lord if that’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Jesus simply replied, “Come.” Peter stepped over the edge of the boat in the midst of the storm and planted both feet on the surface of the water.

And then he simply began to walk towards Jesus. Another miracle!

We are not told what happened next, except the word “but” enters in. But when Peter looked at the wind (his circumstances) he became afraid and began to sink. He took his eyes off Jesus and he looked around him. What he saw frightened him and he began to go down.

Ever felt like that?

Well, we all have, but Peter did do the right thing next, by crying out to Jesus who was right there all the time. So Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter. He gently rebuked Peter by saying, “O you of little faith.”

Then He asked Peter, “Why did you doubt?”

Ever doubted God? Yes, we all have! But when we sincerely come back to Him, He gently prods us on and safely and securely takes us in His hands and holds us up near and dear to Him as our Rock and our Refuge and our Strong Tower!

When Jesus and Peter got back into the boat, the winds died down and all became safe. All were secure in the care of Jesus and at that moment, all who were in the boat began to see and recognize Jesus for who He was. They worshipped Him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Immanuel, God with us!

What situation or circumstance do you find yourself in right now? Are you living in the middle of a storm?

If you are a believer in Christ Jesus, remember that you are not alone! He is right there with you! But the question is, have you been trying to work things out in your own strength, trying to figure out what to do next? Or are you discouraged that things haven’t gone as you expected them to?

The disciples did not expect this storm either, for Jesus Himself had placed them in the boat and set them out to sea, He even orchestrated the storm. Why?

To teach them, and us, that He alone is faithful even when we are not. He is able even when we can’t. And to train us to look for Him and His help in the midst of the storms of life!

Remember, Jesus holds believers in His care and we are never too far out of His reach.

So wherever you find yourself, even if it’s of your own doing, confess your wrong and seek His deliverance. He is willing and waiting!

Won’t you return home and find rest from the storm in your life, safe and secure in the arms of Jesus? Won’t you make the decision to follow Jesus?

It’s all a matter of choice!

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach